MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Monday, October 12, 2020

1:00 PM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Higher Education was held on Monday, October 12, 2020, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Brandon Creighton, Chair	Senator Dawn Buckingham
Senator Royce West, Vice Chair	Senator José Menéndez
Senator Paul Bettencourt	Senator Judith Zaffirini
Senator Peter Flores
Senator Beverly Powell
Senator Larry Taylor

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The chair called the meeting to order at 1:02 PM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The Chair called the following persons to provide invited testimony on the following interim charges (see attached list):

Adult Learner Students: Examine existing innovative programs in higher education institutions that assist non-traditional students in completing a degree or credential, including first-time adult learners, re-enrolling students, first generation students, working adults, and at-risk students. Provide recommendations on methods the state can use to partner with higher education institutions to expand successful programs throughout the state.

Data Transparency: Explore methods to improve data sharing and transparency among state agencies, school districts and charter schools, and higher education institutions. Consider best practices to increase the ability of high schools and higher education institutions to support student post-secondary access and degree completion and how to provide policymakers with data on each. Recommend methods of integrating existing data systems at the K-12 and higher education levels to provide real-time support and direction for students.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education passed by the 86th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

Senate Bill 25, relating to measures to facilitate the transfer, academic progress, and timely graduation of students in higher education.

There being no further business, at 4:13 PM Senator Creighton moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Brandon Creighton, Chair

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Abby Johnston, Clerk